We all know it: the world urgently needs sustainable fuels to curb climate change. But the raw materials for these fuels are often a problem. Many of the available waste products such as used cooking oils, animal fats, or other residues are low-quality, heavily contaminated, and difficult to process. They are full of impurities that would cripple traditional production facilities. So how can we efficiently transform these contaminated raw materials into high-quality fuels lik

Introduction — choose the implementation path that fits Upgrading an existing unit or building new capacity? Sulzer offers flexible delivery with guaranteed performance. You can choose from Full ISBL, skid supply, or a customizable scope. Our testing facilities allow you to validate outcomes before you commit. Integration options Retrofit You can insert distillation and, if necessary, adsorption into your existing line. This approach allows you to leverage current tanks and u

Introduction - one train for many feeds Biodiesel producers increasingly work with acid-esterified biodiesel and pyrolysis biofuels - both can carry sulfur and cold-flow issues that complicate compliance. Sulzer’s distillation addresses cold-flow and purity; when paired with adsorption, it reliably delivers <10 ppm sulfur. What makes these feeds challenging? Acid-Esterified biodiesel Residual contaminants and sulfur species can carry through post-reaction, requiring robust fi

Introduction - profitability through smart separation In biodiesel refining, every ton and every ppm matters. Sulzer’s biodiesel distillation solution blends high separation efficiency with lower operating and maintenance costs, enabling high FAME yield and predictable compliance - without complexity. The cost structure you can count on Low processing cost Expect typical processing costs of USD 25-30 per ton for distilled biodiesel. Static separation = lower maintenance Our a

Introduction - the chemistry behind clean, stable biodiesel Transesterified biodiesel can carry monoglycerides, moisture, color bodies, and trace sulfur each impacting performance and compliance. Distillation provides a robust thermal separation that refines FAME quality. When needed, adsorption polishing further reduces sulfur to <10 ppm, enhancing stability and compliance margins. Distillation mechanism - what we remove and why it matters Cutting monoglycerides to improve c

Introduction - why distillation matters for biodiesel quality Biodiesel quality determines whether you meet legislation and perform reliably in real-world conditions - especially at low ambient temperatures. Biodiesel distillation is a proven way to simultaneously achieve low monoglycerides, improved Cold Filter Plugging Point (CFPP) performance (winter-grade biodiesel), and lower sulfur content. The result is a clear, stable, near-colorless FAME that builds market confidence

Introduction - choose your path to SAF scale Whether you retrofit an existing hydrotreater for co-processing or design a greenfield SAF complex, BioFlux™ TPT integrates smoothly using standard refinery equipment. Modular supply compresses schedules, enabling ≤24 months from concept to modules. Integration options 1) Retrofit + coprocessing Leverage the existing hydrotreater to co-process bio-feeds. BioFlux™ prepares FOGs so you can ramp production quickly while validating hyd

Introduction - turning “problem” FOGs into opportunity High-impurity waste fats and oils are abundant and cheap, but they challenge conventional pretreatment. BioFlux™ converts and cleans these feeds into hydrotreating-ready material while minimizing contaminants and oxygen content - allowing refiners to reliably monetize hardest-to-use streams, including Category 1 tallow. What feedstocks are in scope? Used Cooking Oil (UCO) Distillers Corn Oil (DCO) Soybean oil and palm oil

Introduction - the business case for thermal pretreatment BioFlux™ improves both OPEX and product margins by tackling the two biggest SAF cost drivers: feedstock price and hydrogen consumption. It enables use of lower-cost FOGs and reduces hydrotreating hydrogen demand by up to 50% through oxygen removal. Combined benefits translate to up to 12% lower production costs vs. conventional processes, and up to 15% savings when compared to the combined conventional pretreatment + h

Introduction - from triglycerides to hydrotreating-ready feed FOGs are chemically complex. Conventional pretreatment struggles to make them uniform enough for hydrotreaters especially when metals, phosphorus, and chlorides are high. BioFlux™ TPT thermally converts these feeds: triglycerides become free fatty acids (FFAs) and PIONAs, contaminants are radically reduced, and oxygen is substantially removed before hydrotreating. Core mechanism - thermal cracking with purpose Trig

Introduction - the fast lane to competitive SAF Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) economics hinge on two variables: feedstock cost and hydrotreating efficiency. Sulzer’s BioFlux™ Thermal Pretreatment Technology (TPT) unlocks low-cost feedstocks including used cooking oil (UCO), distillers corn oil (DCO), and Category 1 tallow by drastically lowering contaminants (up to 96% metals, 99% phosphorus, 99.9% chlorides) and removing up to 50% oxygen before hydrotreating. The result is

The energy sector is undergoing a significant transformation. The shift toward sustainable fuels is no longer optional but essential. Among these alternatives, renewable diesel technology stands out for its compatibility with existing infrastructure and superior environmental benefits. This post breaks down the key aspects of this technology, focusing on its production, advantages, and implementation challenges. What is renewable diesel technology? Renewable diesel technology

The global energy landscape is shifting rapidly. Fossil fuels no longer hold the uncontested position they once did. Industries must adapt to cleaner, more efficient energy sources. Sustainable fuel production methods are at the forefront of this transformation. They offer a path to reduce carbon emissions and support circular economy practices. In this post, I will explore key technologies, challenges, and future directions in sustainable fuel production. I will also highlig

Renewable diesel is transforming the energy landscape. It offers a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, reducing carbon emissions and supporting circular economy goals. Mastering renewable diesel production methods is essential for industries aiming to optimize performance and sustainability. This article breaks down the key techniques, differences from conventional diesel, and practical insights for implementation. Understanding renewable diesel production methods Renewa

Renewable fuel manufacturing is a critical process in the transition to sustainable energy. It involves converting biomass or other renewable resources into fuels that can replace fossil fuels. This process reduces carbon emissions and supports circular economy practices. I will walk you through the essential steps involved in this complex yet vital industry. Understanding renewable fuel manufacturing processes Renewable fuel manufacturing starts with selecting the right feed

Renewable diesel production is transforming the energy landscape. It offers a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels without compromising engine performance or infrastructure compatibility. This post explores the technical aspects of renewable diesel, focusing on the innovative processes that drive its production. I will provide detailed insights into the chemistry, technology, and operational considerations essential for professionals in chemical, petrochemical, refining, a

Introduction As the renewable fuels industry continues to grow, producers are seeking advanced technologies that deliver both environmental benefits and strong economic returns. Among the most promising innovations is BioFlux™, an advanced reactor technology designed to maximize efficiency and profitability in the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and renewable diesel. The challenge: traditional hydroprocessing limitations Conventional hydroprocessing units for re

As the world races to meet ambitious emission targets, the demand for clean fuels from renewable sources is surging. Renewable diesel also known as hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) - has emerged as a leading alternative for road transportation, while sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production increasingly relies on hydrotreated esters and fatty acids (HEFA). Both pathways utilize hydroprocessing technologies to convert fats, oils, and greases (FOG) into high-quality, drop-in

Introduction As the renewable fuels industry grows, the shift from traditional fossil-based feedstocks to fats, oils, and greases (FOG) brings new challenges - chief among them, managing contaminants. The choice of pretreatment technology is critical, as it directly impacts downstream processing, product quality, and operational efficiency. The role of pretreatment in renewable fuel production The hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids (HEFA) route to sustainable aviation fuel

Introduction The traditional oil and gas industry is undergoing a profound transformation as cleaner, more sustainable fuels become the new standard. With renewable mandates and clean fuel standards on the rise, the demand for biomass-based fuels is growing rapidly. To meet this demand, producers need innovative technologies that allow for expanded processing capacity while minimizing environmental impact. The rise of renewable fuels Renewable fuels made from fats, oils, and